Driving LicenceDocuments needed for a learner's licence and a driving licence
Most rejected or delayed applications fail on papers, not on the test. Here is what each stage asks for, which form is which, and how to get the upload right the first time.
The forms, in plain words
| Form | What it is | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1 | Your own declaration that you are physically fit to drive | Every applicant |
| Form 1A | Medical certificate signed by a registered doctor | Applicants aged 40 or above, and everyone applying for a transport vehicle |
| Form 2 | Application for a learner's licence | Learner stage |
| Form 3 | The learner's licence itself | Issued to you; you carry it |
| Form 4 | Application for a driving licence | Driving licence stage |
| Form 4A | Application for an International Driving Permit | Licence holders going abroad |
| Form 5 | Driving certificate from a driving school | Transport vehicle applicants; others only if they trained at a school |
| Form 8 | Application to add another class of vehicle | Licence holders adding a class |
| Form 9 | Application to renew a driving licence | At renewal |
You do not have to hunt for blank forms. When you apply on Sarathi the forms are filled from what you type, and you can print them from the "Print Application Form" option. Form 1A is the only one that somebody else, a doctor, has to sign. The rules say a Form 1A certificate stays valid for one year from its date.
For the learner's licence
The Delhi Transport Department lists these papers. Other states ask for much the same set:
- Form 1, and Form 1A if you are 40 or above or applying for a transport vehicle.
- Form 2, the application.
- Two recent passport size photographs.
- A self-attested copy of proof of age.
- A self-attested copy of proof of residence.
- The fee.
- For a transport vehicle in Delhi: proof of schooling (the Delhi page asks for at least 8th standard pass) and the light motor vehicle licence you already hold.
For the driving licence
Rule 14 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules lists what goes with Form 4:
- Your learner's licence, still valid, for the same kind of vehicle.
- The fee for the test and for the licence.
- Recent passport size photographs.
- The medical certificate in Form 1A, where it applies to you.
- Form 5 from the driving school, if you learnt at one.
Proof of age and address
Rule 4 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules names papers such as a passport, birth certificate, school certificate, a life insurance policy, the electoral roll, or a pay slip from a government office, and lets each state add its own list. Because states have added and removed papers over the years, do not rely on any fixed list, ours included. Parivahan's own advice is the safest: open "Application Status" on Sarathi and print the acknowledgement. It shows the documents your own application needs.
Uploading on Sarathi without errors
- Photo and signature go in as JPEG images. The upload page shows the size it accepts.
- Each document must be one file: a single JPEG or one PDF, inside the size limit shown. A paper with several pages must be joined into one PDF first.
- If an upload fails, read the message. Parivahan says the usual causes are the file name and the file size.
- If the status still says "pending" after a good upload, open Application Status and press Refresh.
- To swap a wrong paper, use "Upload Document" again and choose the same document type. Not every state allows this online.
What to carry to the RTO
Parivahan lists four things: the printed acknowledgement (it names your documents), the printed Form 1 and the application form (with Form 1A if needed), the appointment letter, and the fee receipt. Carry the originals of every paper you uploaded. "Application is under scrutiny" on the status page means the office wants to see the originals and take your photo and fingerprints.
Questions people ask
Is Form 1 compulsory for the learner's licence?
Yes. Parivahan says Form 1, the self declaration of fitness, is needed from every applicant.
Who needs the medical certificate in Form 1A?
Applicants aged 40 or above, and applicants for a transport vehicle licence. Under 40 and applying for a private vehicle, Form 1 alone is enough.
How long is a Form 1A medical certificate valid?
One year from the date it is issued, under rule 5 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
Can I upload a document with many pages?
Only as one file. Join the pages into a single PDF within the size limit that the Sarathi upload page shows.
Why must I visit the RTO after applying online?
To show the original documents listed on your acknowledgement slip and, where asked, to give your photo and fingerprints. Carry the fee receipt too.
Check before you go. These facts were read on the official Parivahan website and the Delhi Transport Department website on 11 November 2026. Rules and fees change, and states add their own charges and steps. Your state's page on sarathi.parivahan.gov.in is the final word. This is not a government site.